Students blog

The Pearson Campus Ambassador (PCA) program has been an incredible journey. It shaped my college experience and professional development in ways I never could have imagined.

Through this program, I gained invaluable opportunities for networking, hands-on sales experience, internships, and personal growth. These have all set the foundation for my future.

I write this reflection with a heavy heart, as this is my final semester as a PCA. At the same time, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. This program has been transformative, and I want to commemorate my journey by sharing how much it has meant to me.

First Steps and First Impressions

My experience began in the spring of 2023, when I first started onboarding before officially joining in the fall. From my very first All-Call, I was struck by the energy of being surrounded by college students from across the country. That sense of community immediately made me feel like I was part of something much larger than myself.

Early on, I also met my Regional Coordinator, Ryan Celestine, who quickly became a mentor. His guidance and support during that first semester made my transition into the program smooth and encouraging.

During that semester, I recorded and edited a day-in-the-life vlog of a PCA for the Pearson Instagram. It was a fun content-creation opportunity!

Opportunities, Collaboration, and Mentorship

By the end of fall 2023, I was eager to pursue new opportunities, which led me to discover Pearson’s Micro-Internships. These short-term roles provided direct exposure to managers within Pearson and helped me explore my career interests.

In spring 2024, I earned a Data Analyst Micro-Internship with the Higher Education Data Reporting team. There, I conducted data quality audits and supported a product data migration project. This experience led to a full-time summer internship with the same team.

During my time with Pearson, I completed five internships with Pearson through the PCA program—an achievement I never would have imagined when I first started.

Additionally, I also had the privilege of working closely with Sales Representative Rachel Calcote during the 2024-2025 school year. Her clear communication and strong leadership made the back-to-school season one of my best experiences in the program. These opportunities not only strengthened my skills but also showed me the value of mentorship, teamwork, and perseverance.

A Launching Pad for the Future

Looking back, the PCA program has been far more than a student role. It has been a launching pad for my career, a network of lasting connections, and a source of personal growth.

It is bittersweet to say goodbye. However, I carry forward the lessons, relationships, and experiences that will continue to shape my professional journey.

I am proud to have been part of this community and am excited for the next chapter of my life. I know the PCA program has prepared me to succeed.

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Last semester, I had the incredible opportunity to complete a micro-internship with Pearson Education, and it was an experience that left a lasting impact on my professional and personal development.

During this time, I worked closely with a talented team that included Jacob Woodhouse, Zachary Suozzo, and Alex Dennis. Together, we tackled the challenge of optimizing error handling in a data pipeline using SQL and Python. This hands-on project not only sharpened my technical skills but also gave me valuable insight into solving real-world problems in a collaborative environment.

What truly made this internship special was the relationships I formed with my team. Dennis and Woodhouse guided me through the technical aspects of the project with patience and expertise, and through previous internships Steven Reynolds, Nick Hobart, and Suozzo shared invaluable advice about the industry and professional growth. Their mentorship extended beyond the tasks at hand, offering me lessons in teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving that I will carry forward in my career.

Mentorship has always been an essential part of my development as a student intern, and this experience reinforced just how crucial it is. Having a supportive network of professionals who believe in your potential can make all the difference. The guidance I received helped me bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry application, and it gave me the confidence to approach challenges with a growth mindset.

My time with Pearson has shown me the importance of building meaningful connections in the workplace. I’m deeply grateful for the mentorship, encouragement, and camaraderie I experienced during this internship. These relationships have inspired me to continue seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute, and I’m excited about the path ahead, knowing I have such an incredible foundation to build upon.

I’m continuing my micro-internship with my team again this semester, and I can’t wait to develop my relationships and skills further!

Go Coogs!

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When I first came to college, there were so many new and amazing opportunities that were plopped right in front of me. It was incredible to see all the new career paths, adventures, and professional opportunities I could enjoy. Not to mention all the social events and fun that could be had just a 5-minute walk away on a Thursday night. These opportunities were both exciting and extremely overwhelming. So many directions opened that I felt like I was looking everywhere all at once. Then, once I met my mentors, I realized that college mentors can provide you with incredibly valuable guidance that you may not find elsewhere. The realization of the importance of mentors to me forever changed my life. My mentors have helped me socially, professionally, financially, the list goes on!

My Mentors

Unlocking leadership opportunities can be daunting if you lack the credentials you think are necessary. I've experienced this firsthand; lacking a vast network of friends or professional experience, I missed out on leadership roles in high school. However, when I embraced leadership within the Asian Business Student Association an incredible transformation occurred. I discovered a world brimming with social, mental health, and professional benefits.

College Leadership Opportunities

As a leader, I forged deep connections and lifelong friendships, finding a community that supported me and allowed me to create cherished memories. It opened doors to a support system I never knew I needed. Here’s a picture of me and my leadership team in the thumbnail! (That’s me in the top right!) Furthermore, being a leader enhanced my college experience economically by maximizing internship opportunities and valuable connections with companies. Employers highly value leadership and soft skills in candidates, recognizing their importance alongside technical knowledge.

Zooming out, leadership offers a broader perspective and the chance to leave a lasting impact on those you lead. It extends beyond the workplace, influencing all aspects of life, from sports teams to family dynamics and friendships.

How to Find Leadership Positions

Leadership positions are everywhere in college! Your first step is to research and find an organization or club that you can join. Strive to find a community you’re truly passionate about and want to develop, and make sure it aligns with your interests, values, and goals. Indulge in its culture, and you’re set! Most colleges have websites with a catalog of all the organizations and also hold club fairs in the beginning of each semester. Make a point to attend and be sure to talk to recruiting personalities during these fairs.

Leadership Positions and Corporate Recruiters

As most college students progress through their careers, they tend to begin their search for internships. For Corporate Recruiters, students who have leadership experience become more appealing as they hold many qualities that make them a valuable candidate. Holding a leadership position in college showcases your ability to take on responsibilities and manage a team or an organization. Recruiters value candidates who can demonstrate their commitment, reliability, and capacity to handle complex tasks.

Overall, leadership positions in college offer a platform for personal growth, skill development, and the cultivation of valuable soft skills that can benefit you in various aspects of your life, including your future careers.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!